Six confirmed West Nile cases in Montgomery County

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Six confirmed West Nile cases in Montgomery County

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, TX – As if itchy, red bites aren’t bad enough, the mosquitoes’ sting in Montgomery County spreads a much more serious threat — West Nile virus.

So far this year, county officials have confirmed six cases of the illness transmitted by the sick skeeters.

One 57-year-old woman is currently sedated in the hospital for severe symptoms.

West Nile is serious stuff, and in the worst cases, it can cause swelling in your brain.

Most people won’t get sick, if bitten, but some will develop flu-like symptoms and get really sick.

In Harris County, officials aren’t taking any chances with the illness-inducing insects.

The county’s mosquito-control division will be launching an aerial spray operation Thursday evening August 7 in the northern parts of the county.

“We want to make sure that mosquitoes are something that people are thinking about throughout the day, and not just at nighttime, or not just at dusk and dawn,” said Dr. Umair Shah, HCPHES executive director.

But you know what they say: the best offense is a good defense.

Drain any standing water around your home and keep your doors and windows closed.

Officials, also, suggest long pants and sleeves if you’re heading outdoors, but let’s be real here, it’s way too hot this time of year.

Just make sure you load up on good old insect repellent, and those bugs won’t know what hit them!